ONE SWEET YEAR

Chris, 

How fortunate am I to get to go through life next to someone who is my best friend? This time last year I was getting ready to finally walk down that aisle and become your wife. We had waited 18 months. 18 long months. You were worth the wait though and here we are now 365 days later. 365 love filled days. 365 date nights, goodnight kisses, and 365 days of living out our vows to one another. It has been the best of years and we've made treasured memories, but the journey isn't perfect and marriage is work. It's an everyday choice, and it's not pretty some days. But between the arguments and the frustration we sometimes give each other is this overwhelming love and sense of home. I may act annoyed when you want to hug me all the time, but to let you in on a secret, your hugs are my favorite thing in the world and I can honestly say this is the happiest I've ever been in my life. This year had it's challenging moments with you trying to get your footing in your career to me starting my own business, There have been tears, financial worries, a few health concerns, and moments when we've gone too far, but marriage is a promise of commitment between two imperfect people who plan on going through an imperfect life together. There will be way more fights, more storming out of the room, more morning snuggles with the pups, more breakfast dates, and a million more kisses and head scratches. Because when you marry someone you agree to see the other at their best and worst and love them through both. 

So thank you for being you. Thank you for making me laugh every day and for being my better half. For taking out the dogs even when it's my day and making yummy dinners when I'm busy. You're the best spider killer, reacher of things that are too high, and the greatest of advice givers. You make this life so fun and I'm so lucky to be able to call you mine forever. 

Like I said on our wedding day, I promise to always be in love with you like I am today. and like I always say, I love you more than yesterday, but less than tomorrow. You are my everything and I can't wait to see what adventures are ahead for the both of us. I love you. 9-20-14 

Password for video is: humble 

One Sweet Fridays

What a beautiful week is has been here in Virginia friends! I'm hanging on to these last moments of Summer and starting to get used to those crisp fall nights once again. I moved to Virginia in the Fall and after growing up in South Florida where it's Summer all year long, the changing leaves and cozy nights were what made me fall in love with this part of the world. I honestly had never felt at home in Florida, but this place, where I've called home for almost 7 years instantly welcomed me and it's wonderful to have that feeling of a true home. I have loved this year and being home. Other than a few work trips here and there and a short late anniversary trip planned later this year, it's been so nice to be content with where we are here at home in Virginia. We're headed to Charlottesville for a day trip Sunday to visit the mountains and a few wineries for our one year anniversary. Too excited! 

This week we took some time to get our home Fall ready and had a little outdoor fun with the pups. Gosh if only the weather would be like this every day! How cute are the pups below?! Levi turns one on Sunday! It's shocking how fast time goes. 

After our relaxing weekend, I'm gearing up for quite the eventful week next week. Between a few business gatherings, a styled shoot on Wednesday, and a special vow renewal for a sweet couple later in the week, it's going to be a bit crazy, but in the best way. Remember to follow along over on Instagram! Lots of floral goodness is coming in the next few days! 

 This busy season is tough, but being intentional with my time has really helped. So just keep swimming friends. Off season is coming, but until then enjoy the beautiful weekend ahead and savor those last moments of Summer. 

September Goals.

Goodbye Summer, you were simply wonderful. I'm going to miss you maxi dresses and flip flops, but I really am ready for boots and scarves. Since it's the start of a new month, it's time for monthly goals and I wanted to update you on my health journey! 

Simply put, September is nuts! The Fall season kicks off this weekend with not one, but two gorgeous weddings, be sure to follow along here! So because it's so so busy, my goal of this month is intentionality. Making sure I leave my phone and laptop upstairs after 6 o'clock, starting my day actually getting dressed in more than just yoga pants, and taking breaks throughout the day to make sure I'm giving myself "me" time. These are things I didn't do this Spring and it showed. I was exhausted. Busy is good, but it's only good when you are intentional with all aspects of your life. 

My second September goal is to continue my health journey and even pick it up a notch. I lost 10 pounds in August. I think I could have lost more if I didn't spend 5 days in Maine....but that's ok. I jumped back in the Pure Barre saddle today got back on healthy eating. Hooray! I still have a ways to go, but so far so great! My goal is to not be a certain weight or to be skinny. To be honest, I've always had curves and I love them. I don't want them to leave-they are what makes me who I am. So it's not a number on the scale, my goal is to be healthy. A healthy weight so I'm no longer pre-diabetic (ugh) and healthy Thyroid levels too. My next Endocrinologist appointment is October 30th and by then I want my labs numbers to drastically improve. It's a every day commitment though and it's hard. Through tests and lab results I've found out that because of Hypothyroidism, my body has a super slow metabolism (Thanks body!) So it's even harder for me to lose weight, but I think I started out pretty good! 

Thank you for your words of encouragement over the past month! Just keep swimming, am I right? Happy September sweet friends, make it a good one! 

Love, 

Michelle